The zigzagging overpass from Brooklyn Heights to Brooklyn Bridge Park reopened after 32 months on Wednesday — and one eager local went out of his way to test the goods during his 7:30 am jog, reporting back that it had been everything he’d dreamed of for the nearly three years it had been shuttered.

“It was liberating in one sense that I could run down into the park that way,” said Brooklyn Heights resident Brennan Rees, who is planning to use the Squibb Park Bridge every other day. “It’s going to be a game changer, it’s so pleasant.”

Many residents have been awaiting the reopening of the once dangerously bouncy $4.1 million crossing since it was abruptly closed in August 2014, just 17 months after it opened. Officials ruled the swaying bridge had become unstable and fenced it off, offering little explanation of what had befallen it.

The span juts through the Squibb Park playground at Columbia Heights to the waterfront green space, giving pedestrians a popular shortcut to the meadow. Additionally, it provides people staying at the newly opened One Hotel and Pierhouse condo complex next to it a quick route to the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

The latest incarnation of the bridge has one-eighth of the bounce than the original span, according to project engineers, and Rees said he didn’t feel much movement at all, although he did get a peek into condo owners’ windows.

But as much as he loves being able to use it, the fix carried on for far too long, he said, and wants to see someone held accountable for the costly and time consuming snafu.

“On the one hand, let’s be grateful the bridge is open,” he said. “But the time it took is just insanely ridiculous, I think somebody’s feet needs to be held to the fire.”

On Wednesday, locals and tourists filled the bridge — and for those enjoying the Squibb without knowing its storied history, it was just a place to take some photos and enjoy the view. One Italian family gushed about the span as they posed for pictures, sizing it up in simple terms.

“It looks wonderful, it’s really cool and fun,” said Alessio Doglione, who was vacationing with his wife and kids.

Reach reporter Lauren Gill at lgill@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–2511. Follow her on Twitter @laurenk_gill

Reasonable discourse

Millions of dollars so that woman's dog can poop high up? What about Williamsburg? We don't get sky bridges. Coincidence? I think not.

April 20, 2017, 6:10 am

Jim from Cobble Hill says:

In the future when everything goes Road Warrior, we'll hand pirates from it.

April 20, 2017, 6:22 pm

marsha rimler from brooklyn heights says:

All of that money for a bouncy or not so bouncy bridge while we sell and downsize libaries.. There is something wrong with our priorities. The person in the lead here ..leading poorly is Stephen Levin... our councilman.. He takes the lead in sinking and shriking a library in a growing neighborhood.. allows his developer friend to make over 700 M and states he was forced to approve the bouncy bridge by park honcho Hank Guttman... What is wrong with this guy.

April 21, 2017, 3:14 am

Florence Lesbona from Park Slope says:

Marsha Rimler - your anti-semetic attacks on Mr. Levin sound frighteningly similar to a man from the past. His name was Adolf Hitler. He was much like you, just not as angry. I am disgusted to know that nazis are living in Brooklyn Heights!

April 21, 2017, 6:16 am

Morris from Mill Basin says:

Please excuse me for the error. I meant "your eyeballs *plucked out* with a fork." Sometimes I get a little careless when I am threatening someone so evil.

April 21, 2017, 11:56 am

Park advocate from Downtown says:

Morris and Florence you are both totally off base, out of line and inappropriate. While Rimmler is a " Johnny one note" in her rants she is not wrong. Levin shamed himself on the library deal and has done nothing- nothing - to prevent unnecessary housing from rising inside this park. If he doesn't represent all his constituents or most of them and caters only to the most connected and wealthy we will all be lost. Time for a reboot Steve.

April 23, 2017, 7:03 pm

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